Recent content by p3purr

:ermm: I've never heard of the brand. I think the comments about the uv relflect the quality of the brand overall so it's relevant, at least to me.

My first thought was Serpaes from the posted pic but the description fit red phantom.

Did we rule out red phantom tetra?

The 30 will give you a lot more time with the fish but 5 will be to many when they get large.

red phantom tetra If the pleco is a common pleco I'd rehome it since it will get to large for the tank.

I put the gravel in a bucket because I'm a bit antsy about leaving it in the tank. I'm not all that strong and I have to depend on others to lift the tank so I like to make it as easy as possible. I agree that a short trip doesn't require aeration but that's assuming it will be set up with in a...

Keep gravel and filter media wet. Don't change media between now and the move. Aeration should help bacteria stay alive but I moved from FL to NC without aeration. I usually take 1/2 of the water if it's practical. Fish seem to adjust better. A sponge filter added to the old set up will increase...

I recently soaked and boiled some Mopani driftwood in a stainless steel pan and the pot is now stained with tannin. I've only soaked wood a few times (not Mopani) and have never experienced or read about this happening. Most of it came out with scrubbing using baking soda and scrub pads but...

Do a web search and you'll find lots of reputable sites that state adult BN get 4-5 inches. For example: Fish kept in tanks that are overcrowded or in too small a tank don't always grow to their full potential.

BN can get to be just over 4.5 inches as adults and wouldn't be happy in a 10 and it may stunt there growth. Otocinclus would be a better choice to get some of it off the tanks. As purrbox said, a little algae is normal, I'd still keep a close eye on it since it can get out of control very...

Welcome Kyle.

Thanks! I sure wish there was an easier way to figure this with all the different choices now. I've heard some folks are using PAR to figure out proper lighting but that really confuses me. It seems this tank has been causing more drama than I'd like. I decided to get a double strip light and...

Depends on the room temp. During the winter my house is usually around 60/65 when I'm home but it's not unusual for it to be 55 or occasionally 50 when I'm gone so I need more watts per gallon. My 25 had 2 heaters even though it's only 24 inches long. If I remember right I had a total of 175 or...

There are several good brands out there, Fluval Tronic and Marineland Stealth are very good. I agree that 2 heaters in a 55 are better at keeping an even temperature throughout the tank than just one. Keep in mind the ambient temperature when choosing the size. The lower the room temperature the...

Don't leave the light on for hours or put the tank where it gets lots of sunlight or you'll get algae. What kind of fish are you planning on getting? Some fish don't do well without plants or fake plants.